FAQ

How do I care for my finished gypsy-fied™ painted furniture?

To care for your painted furniture, dust with a soft dry or damp cloth. Avoid scrubby sponges because they could scratch your finish. The Clear Coat is resistant to water and chemicals.

What is the shelf life of the products?

The paint and Clear Coat have a shelf life of one year, but they will last longer if stored in a cool, dry place.

There are currently 18 colors in the line; can they be mixed for more shades?

Yes! Although the Junk Gypsy style is known for bright, funky colors, it is easy to mix many lighter shades of each color by adding Dreamcatcher or Buttermilk Biscuit. Just remember to mix enough to finish your project (or be sure to measure the amounts added together), so that you don’t run out of your custom shade.

Do I need to sand or prime?

In most cases, you will not need to sand or prime your junk find. If you are painting a piece with a previously glossy finish, however, light sanding would be recommended for best adhesion. If you have a piece that is particularly damaged and you desire a clean finish, then priming is recommended. Junk Gypsy Clear Primer dries clear to retain a wood appearance often desired when distressing and revealing the wood underneath. It will block stains and bleeding from seeping through your paint, which can often happen with vintage furniture. Review all warnings on the label before sanding any piece that might contain lead paint.

How do I prep my piece before painting?

It is always important to clean your piece properly. When junking, we are finding furniture that has a past life, and it may have been abused or left alone for many years. Remove all the dust, debris, and any loose paint. Wash your piece thoroughly with warm soapy water, a degreasing solution, or an equal-part solution of water and vinegar. Allow to dry before painting.

How is this different than latex paint?

Latex paint is made of synthetic materials, and Junk Gypsy™ Paints are made up of chalk and clay. Junk Gypsy™ Paints also distress easily, for a vintage look.

How many coats of Clear Coat should I apply? Do I always need a finish coat?

You should always protect your paint with Clear Coat, which is a matte finish. Apply two coats of Clear Coat to a completely dry, painted piece. For an ultra-smooth finish, buff between coats with a super-fine grit sandpaper.

How long does it take to dry? How long should I wait before applying a second coat?

It depends on the weather, but mostly the paint will dry within a few hours, and sometimes much quicker. When it is dry to the touch, it is safe to apply a second coat.

What kind of brush should I use for the paint?

Brushes are a personal preference: if you are looking for a smoother finish, a synthetic brush is best. If you would like more texture, use a brush with natural bristles. If brush strokes occur and are not desired, lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper.

Can I distress the paint for a more vintage look?

Yes! Layer different colors together and sand lightly to reveal each desired layer. Since most of us are finding junk to transform, it is difficult to know what you will be covering and how the paint will respond, so using a medium-to-fine grit sandpaper is best to avoid removing too much paint.

About the Junk Gypsies

The Junk Gypsies, mom Janie Sikes and sisters Amie and Jolie Sikes, founded their Texas-based company in 1998. Their style is a little bit hippie and a little bit rock and roll, with a whole lot of country heart and soul.

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About the Junk Gypsies

The Junk Gypsies, mom Janie Sikes and sisters Amie and Jolie Sikes, founded their Texas-based company in 1998. Their style is a little bit hippie and a little bit rock and roll, with a whole lot of country heart and soul. Their HGTV and Great American Country show, Junk Gypsies, features the sisters as they take their independent spirit and unique design philosophy on a special mission to find junk and use it to transform spaces. Their clientele includes music stars such as Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, along with a large and passionate fan base of fellow design rebels.